Sleek, dramatic, and shaped a bit like a sail catching the wind, the marquise cut-sometimes called the navette (which charmingly means “little boat” in French)-manages to turn heads without even trying. Thinking about choosing this eye-catching style for your engagement ring? Here’s the lowdown, from royal intrigue to modern-day favorites in Scottsdale.
So… What Is a Marquise Cut, Exactly?
A marquise-cut diamond is basically an elongated stone that tapers into points at both ends, kind of like a stretched-out eye shape. It’s cut in a brilliant style (usually with 56–58 facets), which means lots of sparkle.
One bonus? Because it’s not very deep, it often looks bigger than it actually is in carat weight-so you get more visual bang for your buck. That said, the pointed tips are delicate, so you’ll want to protect them with V-tip prongs or a bezel-style setting.
Wondering how the marquise stacks up against other shapes? Check out our full diamond shape guide.
A Diamond with a Backstory
The marquise cut has a pretty colorful past. As the story goes, King Louis XV of France (yep, the 1700s guy) wanted a diamond that resembled the smile or maybe the lips of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. French cutters got to work, and voilà: the marquise cut was born.
Fast forward to the Victorian era, and the shape became a staple in tiaras, brooches, and fancy European jewels. Today’s versions are a bit more symmetrical and sparkly, but the boat-like shape hasn’t changed.
Why Scottsdale Couples Still Go for the Marquise
- It flatters like crazy – That signature 2:1 length-to-width ratio creates a slimming, elongating effect on the finger.
- It looks bigger than it is – A 1-carat marquise can seem larger than a 1-carat round. More presence, less price.
- It’s practical for the desert – In a low-profile bezel setting, it won’t snag while you’re out hiking Pinnacle Peak or heading to dinner at Scottsdale Quarter.
Pro Tips Before You Buy
- Watch for the bow-tie – Most marquises have a slight shadow across the middle. That’s normal-but make sure it’s not too dark or distracting.
- Protect those tips – V-tip prongs or partial bezels are a must to keep the ends from chipping.
- Get the ratio right – Aim for a length-to-width between 1.75 and 2.15. Anything shorter might look stubby; anything longer could be fragile.
- Think outside the box – East-west settings (where the stone is set sideways) are trending. They look stunning with mixed metals or stacked bands. See examples here.
Celebs Who’ve Worn It Well
- Victoria Beckham rocked a 17-carat marquise in the late ’90s-iconic.
- Catherine Zeta-Jones wore a vintage one with baguette sides-pure old-school glam.
- Stanley Ho’s diamond? A jaw-dropping 218-carat marquise, one of the biggest and most flawless ever certified.
Quick FAQ: Marquise Edition
Q: Is a marquise more affordable than other cuts?
A: Usually, yes! Since they look bigger than their carat weight, you can go down a size without it looking small.
Q: Are they prone to chipping?
A: The pointed ends are, yes. Definitely use V-prongs or a bezel for protection.
Q: What about that “bow-tie” effect?
A: A little is normal, and can even add depth. But if it’s the first thing you see, the stone might be poorly cut.
Q: Timeless or trendy?
A: Honestly, both. It has centuries of history, but new settings keep it fresh and current.
Q: Who does it look good on?
A: Especially flattering for shorter or wider fingers, but honestly, it’s a statement on any hand.
Final Thoughts
The marquise cut is one of those rare styles that combines history, beauty, and budget-savvy in a single stone. Whether you lean vintage or modern, bold or minimalist, it adapts beautifully and always stands out.
Want to try one on? Book a private session at Quantum Qarat Scottsdale and see what this shape can really do. Once you see it sparkle, everything else might feel a little… ordinary.